FTSE accounts for Sage profits

Accounting software firm Sage advanced 8.5p to 212.25p, after reporting increased revenues to the end of March. Gallaher Group also picked up 23.5p to 809.50p after analysts said it turned down a bid from Japan Tobacco. Additional advances saw Barclays improve 14p to 564p and Tesco adding 7p to 325.50p in response to its £2bn profit earnings. Mining stocks including Antofagasta and BHP Billiton declined, with the former losing 41p to £12.25, with BHP down 17p to 695.50p. Xstrata also shed 24p to £10.11 as oil prices weakened, falling below $52 a barrel in New York. In the US the D...